If you use the internet regularly, there is a good chance that you have heard of websites like MySpace, FriendFinder, Classmates, or Yahoo! 360. What do all of these websites have in common? They are known as social networking websites. Social networking websites, over the past few years, have rapidly increased in popularity, so much that many are wondering why.
If you have used a social networking website before, it is likely that you are already fully aware of their popularity and the reason for popularity. There is just something about these websites that draw in millions of internet users. With a wide variety of different social networking websites available, there are a wide variety of different reasons for their popularity. One those reasons being the ease of use.
Social networking websites are, for the most part, easy to use. Most sites are easy to navigate. In fact, many require little knowledge of the internet. In addition to being easy to navigate, social networking websites also make it easier to meet new people online. There are many internet users who would love to make new friends online; however, that can sometimes be difficult do. Without social networking websites, you would have to connect with internet users, often in chat rooms, and learn about their interests before deciding if you would like to consider them your “buddy.” Social networking sites allow you to learn information about another internet user before ever having to make contact with them.
Another one of the many reasons why social networking sites are popular is because many are free to use. In fact, the majority of social networking sites, such as MySpace and Yahoo! 360, are free to use. Despite being free to use, many websites require that you register with them. This registration will not only allow you to create your own profile or online webpage, but it will also allow you to contact other networking members.
Although most social networking websites are free to use, there are some that are not. Classmates is one of those websites. Many of these websites give you a free trial period or a free membership. That membership can be used to help you determine whether or not the website is worth paying for. What is nice about paid online social networking websites is that many can be considered exclusive. Since most internet users would not want to pay for something that they can get for free, most paid social networking sites are limited on the number of members they have. This may work out to your advantage because it tends to eliminate those who create fake accounts or aim to cause controversy online.
Social networking websites are also popular because they come in a wide variety of different formats. Websites like Yahoo! 360 and MySpace focus on a wide variety of different topics. This means that just about anyone can join. However, there are other social networking sites out there that have a particular focus. These focuses may be on a particular religion, political following, or hobby. Most specialty social networking sites restrict the individuals that can participate in their network; thus, making your experience more enjoyable.
Finally, social networking websites focus on meeting new people, especially online, but over recent months, many have started including additional features only available to their online members. Many social networking members can receive their own free webpage, get free access to popular music videos, a free blog, and much more. Although social networking websites are popular enough to bring in members on their own, these additional features are, in a way, providing internet users with an incentive to join.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Thursday, February 18, 2010
How To Protect Your iPhone With Invisible SHIELD?
When you have an iPhone you regard it more than simply your cell phone. This amazing electronic device is literally connecting individuals to the outside world through more than mere vocal communications. You are able to check your e-mail and stay connected to your Internet Social Networking sites, as well as having access to a speedy QWERTY keyboard, which makes text messaging a breeze. However, it is within the various applications that you can install within your iPhone that truly makes it a one-of-a-kind device.
Of course, iPhones are not a cheap electronic device. In some cases individuals have paid more than six-hundred dollars for this cell phone when it first came onto the market. When you have made an investment into a product that is of this caliber, you want to protect it from the elements. However, buying an iPhone case is simply not going to provide you with ample protection.
Out of any type of electronic device, you want to protect the most vulnerable part of the machine, and in this case, it is the touch screen. This touch screen is your link to your cell phone, music and internet, so if it becomes damaged, you will not be enjoying your iPhone for very long.
This is why there are many companies that have established products which are dedicated to protecting the iPhone's touch screen. However, one of the most popular screen protectors is the iPhone invisibleSHIELD by Shield Zone. This amazing product provides your iPhone with superior protection that will keep not only scratches from forming on the sensitive touch screen, but also it will keep your iPhone from becoming seriously damaged by objects.
The origins of the invisibleSHIELD come from the military where it was originally used to protect their helicopter blades from rocks and other items. The cool part is, the same technology has been applied to the invisibleSHIELD iPhone protector. You are now able to carry around your iPhone, without having to worry about scratching the surface, or even bumping it against the table.
When you have a product, such as the iPhone, you are literally streamlining all of your major portable electronics into one single product. This is why so many people take such care and pride in their iPhone. However, if you are like most people, than you use your iPhone on a regular basis, thus making the wear and tear possibilities extremely high, and while cases are a great way to protect your investment, they can be bulky and many users actually stop using the cases after a period of time.
With the invisibleSHIELD you are able to have high quality protection without having to add extra bulk to your iPhone. This is a great benefit that very few protection products have. When you are able to provide your precious iPhone with ultimate protection, while still keeping it extremely portable and thin, than you have a great product, and you will find this within the invisible SHIELD screen protector.
Of course, iPhones are not a cheap electronic device. In some cases individuals have paid more than six-hundred dollars for this cell phone when it first came onto the market. When you have made an investment into a product that is of this caliber, you want to protect it from the elements. However, buying an iPhone case is simply not going to provide you with ample protection.
Out of any type of electronic device, you want to protect the most vulnerable part of the machine, and in this case, it is the touch screen. This touch screen is your link to your cell phone, music and internet, so if it becomes damaged, you will not be enjoying your iPhone for very long.
This is why there are many companies that have established products which are dedicated to protecting the iPhone's touch screen. However, one of the most popular screen protectors is the iPhone invisibleSHIELD by Shield Zone. This amazing product provides your iPhone with superior protection that will keep not only scratches from forming on the sensitive touch screen, but also it will keep your iPhone from becoming seriously damaged by objects.
The origins of the invisibleSHIELD come from the military where it was originally used to protect their helicopter blades from rocks and other items. The cool part is, the same technology has been applied to the invisibleSHIELD iPhone protector. You are now able to carry around your iPhone, without having to worry about scratching the surface, or even bumping it against the table.
When you have a product, such as the iPhone, you are literally streamlining all of your major portable electronics into one single product. This is why so many people take such care and pride in their iPhone. However, if you are like most people, than you use your iPhone on a regular basis, thus making the wear and tear possibilities extremely high, and while cases are a great way to protect your investment, they can be bulky and many users actually stop using the cases after a period of time.
With the invisibleSHIELD you are able to have high quality protection without having to add extra bulk to your iPhone. This is a great benefit that very few protection products have. When you are able to provide your precious iPhone with ultimate protection, while still keeping it extremely portable and thin, than you have a great product, and you will find this within the invisible SHIELD screen protector.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Why Yoga Is The Supplies Of All?
Yoga is said to be the oldest practice of self-development known. It started in India which dates back about 500 years ago. By exercising Yoga, one can gain information and benefits on the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. Moreover, it encourages the individual to focus on his or her capabilities as well as self-awareness.
There are several methods of Yoga. This includes physical postures, breathing control as well as meditation. But most of the time, people engage in Yoga to shape up and to improve one’s health and well-being. Only a few are really into pure mediation and reflection without doing or performing the Yoga asanas.
It is said that Yoga is not a series of steps to be followed but an evolving process. Through time, one who practices it is cleansed and aware of his being. As a result, he perceives life as good and does well on many aspects.
Through Yoga, one can practice or improve his body. Furthermore, he can practice controlling his breath and knows self-control. He or she also attains or has the capability to direct his mind and to interact with the object of his concentration. However, one must be dedicated enough in order to achieve these goals and have its corresponding benefits.
Yoga has become a common practice nowadays and has influenced millions around the world. Different classes and groups are found in various cities and regions. The most common form of Yoga is Hatha yoga. This kind of yoga involves breath and body coordinated. Through physical exercise and harmonized breathing, a certain relief and blood circulation is improved.
This can increase one’s vitality, strength and flexibility. Hatha yoga is only one form of Yoga. There are still many other kinds aside from that. Some are fast aerobic Yoga workouts while some are strong precise styles for the fitness conscious people. There are also styles for those who prefer gentle and focuses more on healing.
Yoga is open to all people of different ages, faiths and lifestyles. One need not pay for a personal tutor or attend a prestige Yoga class. There are books and references which you can use if you want to learn Yoga self-taught.
However, you must choose a kind or form of Yoga that is apt for you and your lifestyle. It is also important to know your own qualities so that your learning is guided. It is because each kind of Yoga has its own unique form of meditation.New forms of Yoga are also developed nowadays.
In addition, there are videos and dvd’s available in the market to guide you as a beginner. There are also supplies sold and available when you are already applying or performing the physical activities involved in Yoga. There are videos like Yoga for athletes, yoga for couples, yoga with grace and strength and yoga workout for beginners.
There are various supplies and equipment that can be used while you are into a Yoga session. Equipments like yoga mats, yoga belts, yoga straps and blocks. There are mats that provide support when you are already into the exercise.
These mats protect and serve as a cushion for you when you are performing on hard floors. They are accompanied with Yoga straps as well as blocks that aid you in your Yoga workout. In addition, it is advised that you pick clothing that will not prevent you from moving freely. In this way, you can stretch and optimize your flexibility skills.
View my profile page here and over here.
There are several methods of Yoga. This includes physical postures, breathing control as well as meditation. But most of the time, people engage in Yoga to shape up and to improve one’s health and well-being. Only a few are really into pure mediation and reflection without doing or performing the Yoga asanas.
It is said that Yoga is not a series of steps to be followed but an evolving process. Through time, one who practices it is cleansed and aware of his being. As a result, he perceives life as good and does well on many aspects.
Through Yoga, one can practice or improve his body. Furthermore, he can practice controlling his breath and knows self-control. He or she also attains or has the capability to direct his mind and to interact with the object of his concentration. However, one must be dedicated enough in order to achieve these goals and have its corresponding benefits.
Yoga has become a common practice nowadays and has influenced millions around the world. Different classes and groups are found in various cities and regions. The most common form of Yoga is Hatha yoga. This kind of yoga involves breath and body coordinated. Through physical exercise and harmonized breathing, a certain relief and blood circulation is improved.
This can increase one’s vitality, strength and flexibility. Hatha yoga is only one form of Yoga. There are still many other kinds aside from that. Some are fast aerobic Yoga workouts while some are strong precise styles for the fitness conscious people. There are also styles for those who prefer gentle and focuses more on healing.
Yoga is open to all people of different ages, faiths and lifestyles. One need not pay for a personal tutor or attend a prestige Yoga class. There are books and references which you can use if you want to learn Yoga self-taught.
However, you must choose a kind or form of Yoga that is apt for you and your lifestyle. It is also important to know your own qualities so that your learning is guided. It is because each kind of Yoga has its own unique form of meditation.New forms of Yoga are also developed nowadays.
In addition, there are videos and dvd’s available in the market to guide you as a beginner. There are also supplies sold and available when you are already applying or performing the physical activities involved in Yoga. There are videos like Yoga for athletes, yoga for couples, yoga with grace and strength and yoga workout for beginners.
There are various supplies and equipment that can be used while you are into a Yoga session. Equipments like yoga mats, yoga belts, yoga straps and blocks. There are mats that provide support when you are already into the exercise.
These mats protect and serve as a cushion for you when you are performing on hard floors. They are accompanied with Yoga straps as well as blocks that aid you in your Yoga workout. In addition, it is advised that you pick clothing that will not prevent you from moving freely. In this way, you can stretch and optimize your flexibility skills.
View my profile page here and over here.
Very Useful Yoga Techniques...
If you are doing yoga, there are some yoga techniques you need to understand and apply. No one can run away and be free from major illnesses so the best way to get away with it is to exercise in order to maintain good health.
Yoga is considered to be the most effective way to stay fit and healthy. The best thing about it is you can have it at home or anywhere you want it. You also buy your time because you can do it any time of the day.
a lot of people prefer doing yoga to maintain a good and healthy life.
Fitness is important in doing yoga. Yoga techniques are helpful in maintaining good organs and other parts of the body such as the muscles, joints, glands, tissues and vital organs. These are the main focus of setting yoga techniques.
Here are some yoga techniques that you can practice during your yoga session. Despite your busy schedule or the crowed place you stay at, keeping up with these yoga techniques will help you go through it.
The five yoga techniques include: posture, relaxation, meditation, deep breathing and movement of joints. Each technique has its own role and function.
The movement of joints is called the 'sandhichalana'. This is one of the yoga techniques that focus on the joints. The joints undergo full movements which include the movement of the hands, movement of the neck and the movement of the lower limb.
The Hong-Sau is a Yoga technique that helps and focuses on the latent powers of your concentration. This technique helps you to release thought and fight all distractions s that you can concentrate on the problem you are targeting. This helps you to develop Divine Consciousness which is from within.
The Aum Technique expands your awareness which is beyond the limitations that your body and mind creates. This helps you maintain a powerful meditation and gives you to personal experiences of what Divine consciousness brings.
There are some ancient yoga techniques that you can apply. Although there are a lot of yoga techniques to choose from, applying these techniques might nt be easy for you especially if you are a beginner.
In getting concentration during the yoga session, you can boost your awareness by thinking clearly of some creative ways on how you can be attentive in all situations. You should be able to figure out what makes you feel tense and how to release it.
The main objective of these yoga techniques is how to create your awareness for a satisfying relaxation. You should be able to find out how to effectively release the tension inside your body and where to release it. In order to do so, your mind, body and spirit should be at a high level.
Techniques are of course helpful but these are just a matter of front if you can’t apply it. The best way still is to have your own yoga techniques that will help you go through the process successfully.
View my profile page 1 and profile page 2.
Yoga is considered to be the most effective way to stay fit and healthy. The best thing about it is you can have it at home or anywhere you want it. You also buy your time because you can do it any time of the day.
a lot of people prefer doing yoga to maintain a good and healthy life.
Fitness is important in doing yoga. Yoga techniques are helpful in maintaining good organs and other parts of the body such as the muscles, joints, glands, tissues and vital organs. These are the main focus of setting yoga techniques.
Here are some yoga techniques that you can practice during your yoga session. Despite your busy schedule or the crowed place you stay at, keeping up with these yoga techniques will help you go through it.
The five yoga techniques include: posture, relaxation, meditation, deep breathing and movement of joints. Each technique has its own role and function.
The movement of joints is called the 'sandhichalana'. This is one of the yoga techniques that focus on the joints. The joints undergo full movements which include the movement of the hands, movement of the neck and the movement of the lower limb.
The Hong-Sau is a Yoga technique that helps and focuses on the latent powers of your concentration. This technique helps you to release thought and fight all distractions s that you can concentrate on the problem you are targeting. This helps you to develop Divine Consciousness which is from within.
The Aum Technique expands your awareness which is beyond the limitations that your body and mind creates. This helps you maintain a powerful meditation and gives you to personal experiences of what Divine consciousness brings.
There are some ancient yoga techniques that you can apply. Although there are a lot of yoga techniques to choose from, applying these techniques might nt be easy for you especially if you are a beginner.
In getting concentration during the yoga session, you can boost your awareness by thinking clearly of some creative ways on how you can be attentive in all situations. You should be able to figure out what makes you feel tense and how to release it.
The main objective of these yoga techniques is how to create your awareness for a satisfying relaxation. You should be able to find out how to effectively release the tension inside your body and where to release it. In order to do so, your mind, body and spirit should be at a high level.
Techniques are of course helpful but these are just a matter of front if you can’t apply it. The best way still is to have your own yoga techniques that will help you go through the process successfully.
View my profile page 1 and profile page 2.
Here Is why Yoga Videos Are Important
Yoga is one of the many forms of exercises that have influenced millions of people around the world. Unlike yoga classes it is also time efficient for all of us. This is because you can practice yoga anytime you like unlike from classes, which has a definite schedule.
It is also much convenient because they are always ready whenever you are. In these said videos we could also practice with renowned teachers in yoga and we can feel its thrill to practice with them.
One of the best power yoga instructors is Bryan Kest. But even if his studio is in California and even if we live in far places we could still practice with him by using his videos.
It might focus on stress reduction, one that helps our upper body, or one that helps build our core. It might also focus on what suits our physical situation such as pregnancy yoga or yoga for seniors.
And lastly in this practice of yoga videos we could modify the postures according to our physical conditions. For example if we have an injured foot and we can’t put any pressure on the front of it we should modify a number of poses such as the Plank Pose.
Sometimes it takes a lot of extra movements to get into our desired positions because of our injuries especially if we are on a regular class with other persons. Moreover, Yoga videos offer variety and assortment. One can easily get bored doing the same practice over and over again for how may sessions.
The interest and enthusiasm is lost when there is a lack of diversity and mixture. With these Yoga videos, one can choose and pick from a variety of videos that would perfectly fit one’s mood or condition. After all, Yoga is a form of relaxation and mediation, and not an irritating activity or past time.
With these videos, one can enjoy his or her own favorite posture or physical exercise. And you can play them or practice them as long as you like without restrictions and delays.
As a result, you will find comfort and enthusiasm that really has to be felt during Yoga activities. Aside from that, getting and preferring these Yoga videos save time and effort.
Some people may not really have enough time and have hectic schedules so this videos are just a few steps away from you plus, it is very convenient to carry almost anywhere without ease. Moreover, going to a Yoga class adds up to a few hours to go there and getting there on time is quite difficult.
Finding a parking space, registering and getting space in class is also troublesome. Sometimes, you end up wasting your time and effort being there without much satisfaction at all.
View my profile page 1 and profile page 2.
It is also much convenient because they are always ready whenever you are. In these said videos we could also practice with renowned teachers in yoga and we can feel its thrill to practice with them.
One of the best power yoga instructors is Bryan Kest. But even if his studio is in California and even if we live in far places we could still practice with him by using his videos.
It might focus on stress reduction, one that helps our upper body, or one that helps build our core. It might also focus on what suits our physical situation such as pregnancy yoga or yoga for seniors.
And lastly in this practice of yoga videos we could modify the postures according to our physical conditions. For example if we have an injured foot and we can’t put any pressure on the front of it we should modify a number of poses such as the Plank Pose.
Sometimes it takes a lot of extra movements to get into our desired positions because of our injuries especially if we are on a regular class with other persons. Moreover, Yoga videos offer variety and assortment. One can easily get bored doing the same practice over and over again for how may sessions.
The interest and enthusiasm is lost when there is a lack of diversity and mixture. With these Yoga videos, one can choose and pick from a variety of videos that would perfectly fit one’s mood or condition. After all, Yoga is a form of relaxation and mediation, and not an irritating activity or past time.
With these videos, one can enjoy his or her own favorite posture or physical exercise. And you can play them or practice them as long as you like without restrictions and delays.
As a result, you will find comfort and enthusiasm that really has to be felt during Yoga activities. Aside from that, getting and preferring these Yoga videos save time and effort.
Some people may not really have enough time and have hectic schedules so this videos are just a few steps away from you plus, it is very convenient to carry almost anywhere without ease. Moreover, going to a Yoga class adds up to a few hours to go there and getting there on time is quite difficult.
Finding a parking space, registering and getting space in class is also troublesome. Sometimes, you end up wasting your time and effort being there without much satisfaction at all.
View my profile page 1 and profile page 2.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Where Does Your Property Tax Money Go?
When you pay your property tax, it is paid to the clerk's office where it is then placed into a special account until it is divided up between school districts, city and townships, and the county. There is a portion of the tax dollars that is directed to other districts, which might include a nursing home owned by the city, county, or something similar that requires tax dollars to operate. Fire, ambulance, parks, libraries, and others receive a portion of the tax dollars as well. How much each group receives is different for every state and community. However, the highest pay goes to the school districts and then the city, county and townships.
What Does The School District Do With The Money
The school districts use the money to pay teachers, supervisors and custodians. They money is also used towards school lunch programs as well as the new breakfast programs some schools offer. Anything related to building a school, up keep and remodeling is all funded with tax dollars. Some of the money is used for books and other supplies needed in the school for computer classes, woodshop, home economics and science materials. The money spent by schools is for bettering the education of children.
Other Districts That Use The Property Tax Money
If your county has a county owned nursing home, some of the funds are directed at the nursing home for up keep and salaries as well as needed supplies not covered by the state. Fire and police also use some the tax money for buying new cars, special equipment and salaries. Libraries and park systems receive monies for operating costs and up keep of the buildings and grounds as well as salaries. Ambulances that are operated in the county are given a small portion of the monies for operating costs.
Cities, Counties And Townships
Cities, county and townships use the monies for paying government salaries and funding different building projects as well as up keep of some roads. The money is also used to clean up highways garbage collection and some cemetery up keeping if the community owns them. The communities use the monies for many different things and every community and state has different laws governing the use of the money collected from property taxes.
The overall picture about where your property tax money goes is vague. Every state and community has a board called a finance committee that designates where your property tax money goes and how it is spent. Just because the school district receives so much money, they still have to explain to the committee why they need the money and they have to present a proposal to the committee.
The committee then votes on the use of the money, either grants or denies the use of the funds. In some cases, a small portion of the funds requested may be released depending on how the committee votes. All funds are voted on before being released to any district that has money set aside.
What Does The School District Do With The Money
The school districts use the money to pay teachers, supervisors and custodians. They money is also used towards school lunch programs as well as the new breakfast programs some schools offer. Anything related to building a school, up keep and remodeling is all funded with tax dollars. Some of the money is used for books and other supplies needed in the school for computer classes, woodshop, home economics and science materials. The money spent by schools is for bettering the education of children.
Other Districts That Use The Property Tax Money
If your county has a county owned nursing home, some of the funds are directed at the nursing home for up keep and salaries as well as needed supplies not covered by the state. Fire and police also use some the tax money for buying new cars, special equipment and salaries. Libraries and park systems receive monies for operating costs and up keep of the buildings and grounds as well as salaries. Ambulances that are operated in the county are given a small portion of the monies for operating costs.
Cities, Counties And Townships
Cities, county and townships use the monies for paying government salaries and funding different building projects as well as up keep of some roads. The money is also used to clean up highways garbage collection and some cemetery up keeping if the community owns them. The communities use the monies for many different things and every community and state has different laws governing the use of the money collected from property taxes.
The overall picture about where your property tax money goes is vague. Every state and community has a board called a finance committee that designates where your property tax money goes and how it is spent. Just because the school district receives so much money, they still have to explain to the committee why they need the money and they have to present a proposal to the committee.
The committee then votes on the use of the money, either grants or denies the use of the funds. In some cases, a small portion of the funds requested may be released depending on how the committee votes. All funds are voted on before being released to any district that has money set aside.
What Makes Astronomy So Fun?
There is a lot of exciting stuff going on in the stars above us that make astronomy so much fun. The truth is the universe is a constantly changing, moving, some would say “living” thing because you just never know what you are going to see on any given night of stargazing.
But of the many celestial phenomenons, there is probably none as exciting as that time you see your first asteroid on the move in the heavens. To call asteroids the “rock stars” of astronomy is simultaneously a bad joke but an accurate depiction of how astronomy fans view them. Unlike suns, planets and moons, asteroids are on the move, ever changing and, if they appear in the night sky, exciting and dynamic.
Like rock stars, asteroids have been given their fair share of urban myth and lore. Many have attributed the extinction of the dinosaurs to the impact of a huge asteroid on the earth. This theory has some credibility and, if it is true, it evokes some pretty startling images and foreboding fears in the current reining species on earth, the human race.
The fact that asteroids are fast moving space debris only makes their movement and activity more interesting and exciting. Unlike a moon, planet or star, the odds that an asteroid could hit the earth are entirely reasonable and in fact, there are many documented cases of small asteroids making it through our atmosphere and leaving some pretty impressive craters in the earth’s surface.
Popular culture has happily embraced the idea of an asteroid impact. The idea has spawned many a science fiction story adding the idea that alien life forms may ride asteroids to our world and start a “war of the worlds” situation. But by far, the most talked about concept that has captured the imagination and the fears of science fiction fans and the general public is of another asteroid hitting the earth that could wipe out life as allegedly happened to the dinosaurs. In fact, the movie “Armageddon” was based on this idea and the concept that somehow mankind could avert that catastrophe with technology.
But probably the best way to calm our fears and replace science fiction with science is with understanding and knowledge. The truth is, there has been a lot of study of asteroid activity and the serious scientific community has gained significant knowledge of these amazing celestial bodies. A number of probes to asteroids have been conducted which have given us a wealth of information about their composition and how we might predict their behavior.
We now know that the majority of asteroids we get to witness come from an asteroid belt that exists between Mars and Jupiter. It is from this community of asteroids that many of the notable asteroids emerged. Scientists have gained significant knowledge about the composition of asteroids and separated them into classes including class S which comes of the part of the belt that is closest to Mars, classes C, D and V which are classified by composition and a class called “Centaurs” whose flight patterns take them closer to Jupiter and Uranus.
Some of the probes NASA has conducted on near flying asteroids have performed some pretty amazing studies of these eccentric celestial bodies. In 1994 the Galileo probe got within 1000 miles of the asteroid Ida and discovered that Ida actually had its own moon.
Other probes have fired impactors into asteroids and even landed on an asteroid to produce some amazing scientific data for us. There is much to learn about asteroids in our love of astronomy and that knowledge only makes our enjoyment of seeing them in the cosmos even more exciting.
But of the many celestial phenomenons, there is probably none as exciting as that time you see your first asteroid on the move in the heavens. To call asteroids the “rock stars” of astronomy is simultaneously a bad joke but an accurate depiction of how astronomy fans view them. Unlike suns, planets and moons, asteroids are on the move, ever changing and, if they appear in the night sky, exciting and dynamic.
Like rock stars, asteroids have been given their fair share of urban myth and lore. Many have attributed the extinction of the dinosaurs to the impact of a huge asteroid on the earth. This theory has some credibility and, if it is true, it evokes some pretty startling images and foreboding fears in the current reining species on earth, the human race.
The fact that asteroids are fast moving space debris only makes their movement and activity more interesting and exciting. Unlike a moon, planet or star, the odds that an asteroid could hit the earth are entirely reasonable and in fact, there are many documented cases of small asteroids making it through our atmosphere and leaving some pretty impressive craters in the earth’s surface.
Popular culture has happily embraced the idea of an asteroid impact. The idea has spawned many a science fiction story adding the idea that alien life forms may ride asteroids to our world and start a “war of the worlds” situation. But by far, the most talked about concept that has captured the imagination and the fears of science fiction fans and the general public is of another asteroid hitting the earth that could wipe out life as allegedly happened to the dinosaurs. In fact, the movie “Armageddon” was based on this idea and the concept that somehow mankind could avert that catastrophe with technology.
But probably the best way to calm our fears and replace science fiction with science is with understanding and knowledge. The truth is, there has been a lot of study of asteroid activity and the serious scientific community has gained significant knowledge of these amazing celestial bodies. A number of probes to asteroids have been conducted which have given us a wealth of information about their composition and how we might predict their behavior.
We now know that the majority of asteroids we get to witness come from an asteroid belt that exists between Mars and Jupiter. It is from this community of asteroids that many of the notable asteroids emerged. Scientists have gained significant knowledge about the composition of asteroids and separated them into classes including class S which comes of the part of the belt that is closest to Mars, classes C, D and V which are classified by composition and a class called “Centaurs” whose flight patterns take them closer to Jupiter and Uranus.
Some of the probes NASA has conducted on near flying asteroids have performed some pretty amazing studies of these eccentric celestial bodies. In 1994 the Galileo probe got within 1000 miles of the asteroid Ida and discovered that Ida actually had its own moon.
Other probes have fired impactors into asteroids and even landed on an asteroid to produce some amazing scientific data for us. There is much to learn about asteroids in our love of astronomy and that knowledge only makes our enjoyment of seeing them in the cosmos even more exciting.
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